It’s no secret that we’re big fans of local psych rock crew The Dead Heir.
We’ve been keeping a very close eye on the crew ever since copping a listen of their absolute scorcher of a single ‘Cooked’ back in mid-2014 which our writer called “a heated blend of sixties-styled garage-pop, loaded with chunky rhythms, psych-tinged organs and catchy-as-fuck echoed lyrics that melt into a consuming swirl of distorted sonics that’ll make you feel like you’ve just ingested a fistful of mushies”.
After gaining a reputation for their killer live shows and an ingenious and addictive online game, the guys are currently in the middle of a residency at The Tote front bar all through May, before popping by The Curtin on May 29th to blow the roof off the venue alongside The Shabbab.
To celebrate the upcoming shows and the great state of Aussie psych right now, the Dead Heir guys have curated a mixtape featuring some of their favourite Aussie psych/garage rock bands going around. Check out the mixtape below (discover your new fave band) and if you want to know more pop by the Dead Heir Facebook for all the info.
Immigrant Union – ‘Anyway’
Tom: The Immos are a terrific example of the simple notion that when a bunch of really good musos get together and play, something invariably not shit happens. It’s like shoegaze country psych folk or something.
I reckon for music to be considered psychedelia, there has to be something happen that really just shouldn’t happen, conventionally speaking anyway. Anyway, anyway. Anyway, the final two or three minutes of this song is that to a tee.
Shit’s flying everywhere and it’s great. The vocal performance is top notch and the production on it lifts it to a whole new level. I don’t know what it’s meant to sound like, but it sounds goooood.
The Vines – ‘Amnesia’
Shaun: The Vines are often remembered for their hard rocking hit songs and infamous live television meltdowns but few people appreciate their softer, more psychedelic accomplishments. ‘Amnesia’, from 2004’s ‘Winning Days’ is a great example of such songwriting with its simple, spacious guitar lines that are perfectly complimented by vocal harmony.
This album has always been an inspiration as Craig Nicholls finds a way to blend fast, heavy hitting grunge songs with dynamic ballads resulting in one of my favourite Australian albums this side of the millennium.
ORB – ‘Migration’
Paul: ORB are great Melbourne trio that combine ’70s doom rock elements with psychedelic rock to create a full, driving, tripped out sound. This song ‘Migration’ incorporates a classic shuffle beat combined with double layered vocals, phased guitar hooks and even a tempo change to keep punters on their toes.
It’s quite refreshing to hear a band use Sabbath-esque chords and structures as a solid influence without having to rely on ridiculous guitar solos for effect. They are bloody good live, like….BLOODY GOOD MATE.
Breve – ‘Live From The Evelyn’
Chris: BREVE’s songs are layered with synthesisers, with samples, with copious pedal abuse and with the occasional shift in time signature that can make an unsuspecting stoner fall over mid-sway. Their drummer is one of Melbourne’s finest. He can play right handed, left handed, and single handed while jamming out on the keys with the other.
If you tied both hands behind his back, he’d probably figure out something pretty cool to do with his feet. BREVE can be dark, brooding and scary. But they are also warm and lovely. Dougal’s idea of a cruel joke is to offer you a handshake instead of a hug and then say “just kidding, maaayte” and give you the hug instead. Watch this video of them live at The Evelyn.
Russell Morris – ‘The Real Thing’
Jack: There’s a meaning there, but sites it really mean a thing? Russell morris’ The Real Thing is an absolute mindfreak that combines pub rock, psych and (very strangely) the Hitler Youth into a giant, weird, messianic masterpiece. Did you know Molly Meldrum produced this? Put a flanger over the whole mix 40 years before Kevin Parker got famous doing it. The single cost the same as a whole album, and worth every penny. Come and see…
Luna Ghost – ‘Eyes Of Sleep’
Al: We’ve been playing with Luna Ghost since we first started as band back in 2012. They’ve always blown me away as a band, I’m a massive fan boy. Their unique blend of shoegaze and psychedelia separates them from the rest of the Melbourne scene in my opinion.
Driving bass lines combined with effect drenched guitar lines and soaring vocals create a huge sound that has to be experienced live, this song they released late last year is a taste of what is hopefully their album out soon! With the addition of Jack Crook from Contrast recently added to their line up, expect big things from these guys!
